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Today, we're proud to bring the world exclusive review of the script to Steven Soderbergh's next film, Full Frontal. Our resident Doctor Strangelove takes a look at his idol's next feature. I hope you guys enjoy Star Wars and The Matrix Reloaded trailers. We'll be back soon with more goodies...

Full Frontal Script Review

"Dr. Strangelove checking in. I don't think I need to tell most of you about my unhealthy obsession with the work of hotshot director, Steven Soderbergh (Ocean's 11, Traffic). I have been fortunate enough to be put on a list by Miramax to speak with Mr. Soderbergh about his upcoming film, the indie-ensemble Full Frontal. TNMC wonderboy, Deadpool, has been gracious enough to supply me with the screenplay to the film, written by newbie Coleman Hough and titled How to Survive a Hotel Room Fire. (The trailer is now available at fullfrontal.com)

The screenplay is what Soderbergh called 'the sequel' to his first film; sex, lies, and videotape. I can see where he makes this assessment, Full Frontal also deals with all three subjects in a unique way, however, this film has none of the characters from sex, lies reappearing in it. Instead, Hough gives us an ensemble piece almost resembling something like Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia; it goes through a bunch of people's lives that intersect from time to time. This is not a sex picture, this also will not feature Julia Roberts nude (I can hear the men groan with displeasure) as rumored. I would also like to note that the screenplay could differ from the final product. As the infamous title page reads: 'improvision will be encouraged'.

The screenplay revolves around Catherine (Julia Roberts), a journalist who is interviewing an up and coming African-American actor named Nicholas (Blair Underwood). The interview is taking place on a flight from New York City to Los Angeles and the two share a bit of tension when Nicholas is given an anonymous love letter, he suspects Catherine. Meanwhile, we have an unhappy husband and wife, Carl (David Hyde Pierce) and Lee (Catherine Keener). Carl works for LA Magazine and is worried about his home life while Lee works in an office where 'bloodshed' takes place on a day to day basis. Lee's job is to interview the workers before laying them off. Her scenes during this are both hilarious and bizarre and I'm glad that Hough didn't handle this in some cliché manner and gave the characters something interesting and unique to work with. A number of other characters also become entangled into the mix; an actor and actress who provide quite the twist to the story; Lee's best friend, Linda (Mary McCormack), a masseuse in a hotel; an actor playing Hitler (Nicky Katt) in a stage production, and Gus (David Duchovny), a Hollywood producer who is in need of a 'release' (He provides one of the funniest scenes in the film.)

HITLER (To Eva Braun.)
We've talked about this. Nothing has changed since the last time we had this discussion. I... I'm just too committed to my work to sustain a serious relationship right now. I bring the work home with me. You understand. I'm distracted. Then I hate myself for being distracted. You deserve better, believe me. I would only cause you pain. I'm doing you a favor. So be a nice girl or I'll have you thrown from the top of this building, okay? (To Audience.) The four scariest words in the German language: "We have to talk"!.

The screenplay ventures from bizarre comedy to drama as we become involved in the characters' lives. At times, it reminded me of some of David Lynch's work (a lot of talking of dreams and off-beat comedy). It also becomes a bit confusing at times because everyone is in love with someone else, it's almost the anti-'Midsummer's Night Dream'. The dialogue is razor sharp, which is surprising for an unheard of screenwriter. Very good, I heard Soderbergh discovered this himself. (Hough is one of his friends.) Hough's heart for dialogue serves as realistic while adding humor, all while keeping the characters in their place.

LINDA
Meeting men.

LEE
On the internet? How is that meeting?

LINDA
Encountering.

LEE
Masturbation.

LINDA
Trust.

LEE
Bullshit. Is that what you talk - type about?

LINDA
Look, I'm feeling really exposed and raw right about now. You're asking too many questions. I've just met a guy alright?

LEE
That's great.

LINDA
On the internet.

LEE
How modern.

One comment I would like to make is that I hope, despite the change of name of the film, is still features the title cards in between scenes, providing advice on how to survive a hotel room fire. They parallel the story quite well and almost make the film feel like an episode of Frasier. For instance, when we find out that the woman Carl is in love with really loves someone else the title card '6. Don't Panic.' proceeds the scene. This adds something and provides a nice cut between the characters. I hope Soderbergh keeps them in.

Overall, Coleman Hough has given Soderbergh something really decent to work with. It's smart, witty, and dramatic when it needs to be and will give the audience quite an experience. With the cast Soderbergh has secured and the talent he embraces, I have no doubt that Full Frontal will become quite a film.

(Review submitted by Dr. Strangelove.)

Stay tuned...

That's all folks...

Jean-François Allaire (aka DeadPool)

Questions, comments, praise etc. Email me at deadpool@tnmc.org

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Jean-François Allaire is TNMC's first columnist. At only 24 years old he has become a respected entertainment journalist, with his columns appearing in Corona's Coming Attractions and Scr(i)pt magazine. He also writes a monthly column in Screenwriters Monthly entitled 'The Last Word.' Hailing from Montreal this young writer is determined to dig up all the details on the movies before they hit your local theater. If you're part of a movie production then you really need to be talking to him.